SeasonMapNewquay weather in May
United Kingdom
May in Newquay: cool, a little rain, with clean air — a great time to visit.
#4 of 12 months in Newquay · #854 of 1383 destinations to visit in May · comfort 77/100 (tier B)
Updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis
Traveller notes on Newquay in May
Other months in Newquay
Newquay's forum is honest that August is a genuine gamble — regulars describe years that were dry, warm and sunny throughout, others that did nothing but rain, and plenty that landed somewhere in between. It's also the busiest month by far, so plan to set off early for the beach regardless of the forecast.
Add your own note from Newquay's card on the map.
Newquay climate normals — May
| Daytime high | 16°C / 61°F | 🙂 cool |
|---|---|---|
| Nighttime low | 10°C / 49°F | |
| Feels like (high) | 14°C / 57°F | |
| Sea temperature | 12°C / 54°F | 🥶 cold sea |
| Rainfall | 54 mm / 2.1 in | 🌦 some rain |
| Rainy days | 10 days | |
| Humidity | 79% | 💦 very humid |
| Dew point | 10°C / 49°F | |
| Sunshine | 11.3 h/day | |
| Daylight | 15.5 h | |
| Wind | 23 km/h / 14 mph | |
| Air quality (US AQI) | 45 | 🍃 good |
Monthly averages from ERA5 reanalysis. AQI is the mean US Air Quality Index for the month.
Crowds in Newquay in May
How busy the place itself is — school and mass holidays, the months an editor tagged, and how sought-after the weather makes them. Never part of the comfort score.
BusyLate-May half-term in United Kingdom, school holidays in 3 of the markets that fill it(estimated)
Peak crowdsBusyShoulder seasonQuiet
Best months for Newquay's weather
Ranked by this destination's own climate comfort score across the year — a different thing from how busy it gets (see Crowds above).
Fair weatherNewquay's weather peaks June–August.
Best weatherFair weatherToughest weather
What's on in Newquay in May
Recurring seasonal events, natural spectacles, closures and holidays — curated and sourced.
- Opening
Lifeguarded beach season
1 May – 30 Sep · usuallySummer season opensRiskThe main beaches are patrolled from about May to the end of September and unpatrolled either side, when the rips at Fistral and Crantock are the same but nobody is watching them. Source ↗
Nearby, and something's on
Within 300 km of Newquay — a day trip or a short hop — with something on this month. Never part of the comfort score.
Where is Newquay?
Newquay in May — FAQ
- Is May a good time to visit Newquay?
- May in Newquay: cool, a little rain, with clean air — a great time to visit. It ranks #4 of 12 months for Newquay on SeasonMap's comfort score (77/100).
- What is the weather like in Newquay in May?
- In May, Newquay averages a daily high of 16°C and a low of 9.5°C, with about 54.1 mm of rain over roughly 9.7 rainy days.
- What is the air quality in Newquay in May?
- Newquay has a mean US Air Quality Index of about 45 in May.
Other months in Newquay
Compare Newquay in May
Warmer or cooler than Newquay in May
Similar destinations in Northern Europe — May
Within 300 km: St Ives' Food and Drink Festival on 15–17 May, and Bath's The Bath Festival on 16–24 May.